The UK opens consultation on new fisheries plans, drawing criticism from environmental groups over sustainability and marine conservation concerns.
The UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched a 12-week public consultation on four proposed Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs), describing them as a step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of key fish stocks.
However, several domestic environmental organizations have expressed concern, arguing that the draft proposals lack strong enforcement measures and fail to adequately address the declining health of British marine ecosystems, which they attribute to overfishing and damaging practices such as bottom trawling.
The proposed plans focus on commercially important species including seabream and wrasse, as well as demersal and pelagic stocks in the Celtic Sea and Western Channel. According to DEFRA, the plans were developed in consultation with industry stakeholders and aim to safeguard fish populations while supporting coastal economies.
Among the measures outlined are recovery strategies for vulnerable stocks in the Celtic Sea and Western Channel, improved scientific data collection for species with limited research, and enhanced monitoring systems. Environmental campaigners, however, contend that the proposals are too broad and lack specific, enforceable commitments needed to tackle the current crisis.
Alec Taylor, Director of Policy and Research at Oceana UK, said the plans provide limited assurance of meaningful reform. He criticized what he described as open-ended commitments and repeated calls for further evidence instead of immediate action.
Under the Fisheries Act 2020, the government is legally required to rebuild fish stocks, though no clear deadline has been set. Transparency data released under the Act indicates that in 2024 and 2025, more than half of total allowable catches (TACs) were fixed above the scientific recommendations provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
Critics also argue that higher quotas do not necessarily benefit smaller fishing operators. Of the 5,418 fishing vessels registered in the UK in 2023, nearly 80% were under 10 metres in length. Nevertheless, a significant share of catch allocations is said to go to larger industrial fleets that often employ bottom trawling and other non-selective fishing techniques.
Environmental groups highlight the condition of the Celtic Sea as a particular concern. Estimates suggest that more than 80% of muddy and sandy seabed’s in the region show signs of disturbance. ICES has also advised zero catch limits for certain stocks, including Celtic Sea cod and Irish Sea sole, due to recruitment failure — a situation in which insufficient young fish survive to replenish populations. Campaigners have called for clearer timelines and targeted measures to reduce pressure on fragile marine habitats.
Fisheries Minister Dame Angela Eagle said industry representatives and stakeholders have already contributed to shaping the draft plans. She encouraged all interested parties to participate in the consultation process to help define the future direction of UK fisheries policy.
She added that the UK is known for high-quality wild seafood and emphasized that effective fisheries management is essential to securing sustainability while ensuring the long-term success of the fishing industry.